Young muggles around the world will line up Friday evening, waiting for the stroke of midnight, to purchase the seventh and final Harry Potter book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” which is set to be released Saturday.

Two local bookstores and Auburn's Wal-Mart Supercenter will keep their doors open late, welcoming in fans of the series by J.K. Rowling.

Wal-Mart starts the evening at 8 p.m. by handing out bracelets for spots in line, followed by refreshments, contests, games and more. Visitors will be sorted into Hogwarts houses and treated to costume and trivia contests and giveaways. From 10:30 to 11 p.m. a costume parade will be held followed by judging; first, second and third place winners will receive the first spots in line when the book will be handed out at 12:01 a.m.

“Any muggles can come in costume and win a number of prizes,” said Sheryl Walker, community involvement coordinator for Wal-Mart Supercenter who will also be in costume for the evening's celebration.

Waldenbooks at Fingerlakes Mall will host another Harry Potter Party starting at 9:30 p.m. Friday. Anyone who has reserved a copy may visit the store anytime after it opens Friday morning to pick up a colored wristband, which will reserve a place in line later that evening. When the line forms that night, people will queue by the color of their wristband - so the earlier someone picks up a wristband, the earlier the final book will be in their hands.

Among the activities planned for Waldenbooks' party is a costume contest, with two winners each receiving a $10 gift card to Waldenbooks. A Harry Potter Bee will be held, with people answering questions about everything Harry Potter along with a Great Snape Debate.

Everyone who reserved a copy of “Harry Potter” will receive a free poster and a raffle ticket, with the winner of the raffle receiving the coveted grand prize - first in line to purchase their book at midnight. Contest winners will also get extra tickets for the raffle.

Customers who pre-purchased their Harry Potter book at Creekside Books & Coffee in Skaneateles receive a special invitation to the store's Harry Potter Party beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, and continuing until all books have been handed out. Book distribution begins promptly at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. Creekside owner Erika Davis said not to worrry - “books can still be reserved and party invitations sent out.”

The store will feature tons of Harry Potter fun for both young and old readers to enjoy including Harry Potter storytelling, a Harry Potter tattoo station, games, food, prizes and even tea leaf readings by Professor Trelawney.

Readers can follow the party buildup by cracking open their crisp new books and hunkering down for the night. What follows is 784 page turns until the final conclusion is revealed.

Lake Life editor Ashley Hanry may be reached at 253-5311 ext. 220 or

ashley.hanry@lee.net

If you go

Harry Potter preview parties

8 p.m. Friday, Wal-Mart Supercenter on Grant Avenue, Auburn; call 255-0532

9:30 p.m. Friday, Waldenbooks at Fingerlakes Mall, Aurelius; call

255-1696

10 p.m. Friday, Creekside Books & Coffee, Skaneateles; call 685-0379